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Healthy families start with healthy habits: best practices for every age.. Keeping your family healthy doesn’t have to be complicated; what matters most is building consistent habits that support long-term wellness. From preventative care to everyday lifes
Keeping your family healthy doesn’t have to be complicated; what matters most is building consistent habits that support long-term wellness. From preventative care to everyday lifestyle choices, here are the essential practices every family member should follow to stay healthy and thrive.
Stay Up to Date on Preventative Screenings
Preventative screenings are one of the most powerful tools for early detection of disease, including cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and other chronic illnesses. Regular screenings help catch problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.
Screening recommendations vary by age, but some of the most important include:
- For Children & Adolescents
- Routine pediatric checkups and developmental screenings
- Vision and hearing tests
- Vaccination schedule monitoring
- For Adults (18–39)
- Blood pressure checks every 3–5 years
- Cholesterol screening if at risk
- Cervical cancer screening starting at age 21
- Skin checks for new or changing moles that can detect skin cancer
- For Adults (40–64)
- Annual blood pressure and cholesterol checks
- Mammograms beginning at 40–45 (per individual risk) can help detect breast cancer at an early stage
- Colon cancer screening starting at age 45
- Diabetes screening for those with risk factors
- Prostate cancer discussions for men beginning around 50
- For 65+
- Bone density testing
- Annual eye exams
- Ongoing cancer screenings based on physician guidance
- Cognitive and fall-risk evaluations
Don’t Skip Annual Vaccinations
Vaccinations are essential for protecting the entire family and the broader community. Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent serious illness.
Everyone should receive:
- An annual flu shot
- Updated COVID-19 vaccines as recommended
- Childhood and adolescent immunizations per CDC guidelines
- Shingles and pneumonia vaccines for older adults
Prioritize staying active and eating a balanced, nourishing diet
-Regular activity helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens the heart, boosts mood, and improves overall well-being.
-Healthy eating habits make a major difference in long-term health. Having a healthy diet supports energy, growth, immune strength, and disease prevention.
Don’t Overlook Mental Health
Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Seek professional support if anyone in the family is experiencing persistent anxiety, sadness, or behavioral changes.
Promote emotional wellness by:
- Encouraging open conversations
- Allowing time to rest and recharge
- Practicing stress-relief activities like journaling, meditation, or hobbies
- Checking in regularly with children and teens
Don’t Forget Annual Medical Checkups
Even if you feel well, annual checkups give your primary care team the chance to:
- Identify early symptoms you may not notice
- Check key health markers
- Reinforce healthy habits
- Update vaccines and medication
Pay attention to persistent symptoms, If something feels off or a symptom won’t go away—don’t ignore it. Early recognition often makes treatment more effective and leads to better outcomes. If cancer is detected or you have concerns, you can find a list of our physicians who specialize in various types of cancer by visiting our website: https://www.arizonaccc.com/providers.
Encouraging preventative care, healthy lifestyle choices, and open communication with your healthcare providers; your family can stay healthier, longer. Wellness is a journey, and every step you take today helps build a stronger foundation for tomorrow.